How to Log on As an Administrator in Windows

Access your computer with administrator privileges to make important changes.

To make profound changes to your computer, you must be logged in as an administrator. An administrator account allows you to make changes in the Windows registry and install certain programs. A standard account only lets you use the basic functions on a computer. Fortunately, it is possible to log into your computer with administrator privileges.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Windows XP

1. Turn on your computer. This will take you to the "Welcome" screen.

2. Press "CTRL+ALT+DEL." This will give you access to to the "Log-on" window.

3. Type the administrative user name and password, and click "OK." If you did not create a password, do not type anything.

Windows 7 and Vista

1. Click the "Start" button.

2. Type "CMD" inside the search box. Right-click on the "Command Prompt" icon and select "Run as Administrator."

3. Type the following in the "Command Prompt" window: "net user administrator /active:yes" (without quotations). Press "Enter."

4. Restart your PC and log in as an administrator.

References

• Microsoft: Log on as an Administrator
• Maximum PC Guides: Log Into Windows Vista as an Administrator
• Maximum PC Guides: Log Into Windows 7 as Administrator